Are Your Grandkids Safe Online?

Tips to help make sure they steer clear of trouble on the Internet

Today, the computer is as much a part of a kid's daily life as TV, phones and junk food — perhaps even more so. That's mostly a good thing, as the online world delivers incredible access to useful information and imaginative entertainment. Unfortunately, though, there are dangers lurking as well, and young kids may not recognize the warning signs until it's too late.

Here are some tips for making your child or grandchild's online experience as safe as possible.

It's important that children understand the potential dangers lurking on the Internet. — Hill Creek Pictures/Getty Images

Security Software

The first step is one I hope you've already taken: Install security software on your computer. You'll find both paid and free antivirus software available online and through retailers. The paid versions have more elaborate features and offer technical support if you run into problems, but for many users a free program is perfectly adequate to protect against common problems.

It's important that children understand the potential dangers lurking on the Internet. Kids will inevitably be inclined to do what they're not supposed to do from time to time, but if they realize the consequences of unsafe Internet usage, they're less likely to get into trouble.

Of course, your explanation should be geared to the age and personality of the child you're speaking with: Your goal here isn't to scare them off the Internet entirely, but to help them understand the types of problems that can occur if you don't take precautions. Specifically:

Some material found online is not appropriate for young people to see — in fact, there's quite a bit that's inappropriate for anyone to see.

There are people who use the Internet to find kids and teenagers whom they may try to locate, meet and harm.

If someone finds out too much about you, they can make believe they are you online, buying things and causing trouble in your name.

There are many ways you can infect your computer with bad software, which can make the computer unusable and be difficult and expensive to fix.

One of the simplest and most effective strategies when it comes to keeping young people out of Internet-based mischief is to locate the computer in a room where you can see it — a desk in the den, for example, rather than the guest bedroom your grandchild uses. That's not to say you need to keep peeking at the screen constantly, but the occasional casual glance serves as a reminder that bad behavior may be detected at any moment.